The National Startup Awards (NSA), initiated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to recognize outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers building innovative, impactful, and scalable solutions. The awards not only offer national recognition but also provide opportunities for business expansion, financing, and exposure to potential collaborators.
The first NSA was held in October 2020 and continues annually to highlight exemplary achievements across diverse sectors and socio-economic domains.
Categories of Award
• Women-Led Innovation – Startups led by at least one woman director
• Impact in Rural Areas – Startups improving rural livelihoods and wealth creation
• NextGen Innovator – Student-led startups with innovative solutions
• India’s Social Impact Champion – Focused on healthcare, education, livelihoods, etc.
• Innovation from North-East and Hilly States/UTs
• Sustainability Champion – Climate change, renewables, waste management
• Champions of Cultural Heritage – Art, tourism, textiles
• Retail Innovator of the Year – Retail tech, food processing
• Best Startup of the Year – Highest scorer among all categories
• Rising Star Award – Early-stage startups with high growth potential
• Genesis Innovators of the Year – Deep-tech and disruptive innovations
• Accessibility Innovation Award – For People with Disabilities (PwD)
• Financial Inclusion Award – Promoting financial literacy and access
• AeroInnovate Award – Aerospace, drones, and aviation
• Excellence in Local to Global – Startups with global consumer base
• Independent Trailblazer Award – Bootstrapped startups
• PivotPro Award – Business model pivots in times of adversity
• The Next Pioneer Award – Product-market fit and sustainability
• Innovators for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
• Indigenous Ingenuity Champion – Made-in-India manufacturing startups
Rules for NSA 2023
• Participation is voluntary
• Past winners (not finalists) cannot apply
• Maximum two categories per applicant
• Applications only in English
• Evaluation includes legal due diligence
• Startup India reserves rights to modify or cancel the scheme
• No travel allowances paid for jury presentations
• DPIIT recognition is mandatory
• Final jury decision is binding
Benefits
• Cash prize of ₹10,00,000 for each category winner
• Showcasing opportunities to corporates and government bodies
• Priority to participate in national/international startup events where DPIIT is present
Eligibility
• DPIIT-recognized startup
• Valid Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
• Must have a product, process, or software solution in the market
• Must hold industry-specific registrations (GST, FSSAI, MSME, CE, etc.)
• No financial defaults by startup or promoters in FY 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22
• Must upload audited financials for last 3 years (if <3 years, upload available ones)
• Startup must not complete 10 years before March 31, 2024
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Register on Startup India Portal and obtain DPIIT recognition
• Step 2: Go to the National Startup Awards tab on Startup India
• Step 3: Click Apply for National Startup Awards 2023
• Step 4: Choose category and login via your registered account
• Step 5: Fill the form and upload required documents
• Step 6: Ensure size/format compliance and click Submit
Documents Required
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate
• Incorporation/Registration Certificate
• PAN & Aadhaar of founder/co-founder
• Startup Pitch Deck (max 10 slides)
• Proof of industry-specific registrations (GST, FSSAI, MSME, etc.)
• Proof of patents/IPR (if applicable)
• Audited/provisional financials (P&L, Balance Sheet, ITR for last 3 years)
• Relevant documents for category (e.g., MOUs, product proof, student ID, etc.)
• 120-second video explaining business model, innovation, scalability, and impact
• Self-attested proof of users, employees, funding, TRL level (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the National Startup Awards?
A: Annual awards recognizing high-performing startups and innovators across various categories.
Q: Who can apply?
A: Any DPIIT-recognized startup that meets the category-specific eligibility and compliance rules.
Q: Can I apply in multiple categories?
A: Yes, in a maximum of 2 categories only.
Q: Is there any restriction for past winners?
A: Past winners cannot reapply, but finalists can.
Q: What are the incentives?
A: ₹10 lakh cash prize, national recognition, networking, and pilot opportunities.
Q: What documents are mandatory?
A: DPIIT Certificate, incorporation proof, financials, PAN/Aadhaar, pitch deck, 120-sec video, and relevant proof based on category.
Q: Is English mandatory for the application?
A: Yes, all entries must be submitted in English.